Eski-Kermen
Eski-Kermen
remains of a medieval cave city that existed from the early sixth century until 1229 in the Crimea, 18 km southwest of Bakhchisarai. N. I. Repnikov conducted excavations at Eski-Kermen from 1928 to 1937. The city was an important fortress on the approaches to the Byzantine Chersonesus Táurica. The aboveground part was surrounded by a powerful wall. A Christian basilica was built in the sixth century. In the late eighth century, Eski-Kermen was destroyed, probably by the Khazars. Reconstruction was undertaken in the 11th century. In the 12th century, Eski-Kermen became part of the Theodoro principality. It was destroyed in 1229 by Khan Nogai’s hordes.